Hounds Acquire Three Additional MLL Draftees

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Friday, Jan. 25, 2013) -- The Charlotte Hounds of Major League Lacrosse today announced a blockbuster trade that gives the team the rights to three additional draftees from the 2013 MLL Collegiate Draft. Per the deal, the Hounds send first-round pick (3rd overall) Tucker Durkin (D, Johns Hopkins) to the Hamilton Nationals in exchange for John Haus (M, Maryland), Casey Carroll (D, Duke) and Jake Tripucka (M, Duke). All players will be placed on the Hounds' Collegiate Inactive Roster and can be activated once their NCAA seasons are complete.

"It's an exciting day for the Hounds and Nationals," said Hounds COO & Director of Player Personnel Wade Leaphart. "I'm not looking forward to potentially seeing Tucker Durkin in a Hamilton Nationals jersey. I'm pretty sure he has super powers. But as much as we covet him, his value and potential allowed us to acquire three players who could make a huge impact at the professional level. Scoring and depth are legitimate needs for us. It'll be a fun spring with 12 draftees to keep an eye on. I'm excited for everyone involved in this one."

Haus, a two-time USILA Honorable Mention All-American, played lacrosse locally at Chapel Hill High School before going on to the Univ. of Maryland. In three seasons with the Terrapins, Haus has registered 42 goals and 33 assists, adding 36 groundballs and 13 caused turnovers. He was selected 15th overall at this year's draft.

Carroll, who was the 18th overall selection in the draft, is returning to college lacrosse after spending five years (2007-12) in the 3rd BN 75th Ranger Regiment of the U.S. Army. In his most recent season at Duke, 2007, Carroll was named a USILA First Team All-American and scooped up 68 groundballs.

Tripucka in three seasons with the Blue Devils has tallied 24 goals and 23 assists, adding 57 groundballs and 13 caused turnovers. He was the 42nd overall selection at this year's draft. Tripucka's father, Kelly, played in the NBA for 10 years with the Detroit Pistons, Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets. Tripucka was born here in the Queen City.

Durkin in three seasons with the Blue Jays collected 95 groundballs and caused 49 turnovers. Last season he earned USILA first team All-American honors as well as the William C. Schmeisser Award as the nation's top defenseman.

"While Tucker Durkin is a unique talent, we are very excited about adding three players that we had extremely high on our draft board," said Hounds coach Mike Cerino. "We've added talent and depth in two positions. The future is bright for the Hounds."

The Hounds, a 2012 expansion team, finished their inaugural season at 5-9 and sixth place in the league. The team will kick off the 2013 season at home against the Denver Outlaws on April 27. Tickets for the 2013 season, which includes the MLL All-Star Game, are on sale now. For more information, please visit www.charlottehounds.com/season-tickets.